Taira Sensei's 2022 Grading Class

It has been a long time since we have been able to have Taira Sensei visit us for a grading and seminar.  We are proud of all of the students who had a chance on his visit to train and grade with him!  ​

Senpai John

Meet Senpai John Bruno! An experienced Martial Arts of other disciplines as well as Okinawa Gojuryu. John began his training in Okinawa Gojuryu at Mountain Martial Arts / Gojuryu Kenkyukai of New Jersey under Mark Kapel Sensei. Besides his dedication and commitment to training, he is a fierce fighter in the ring while humble in his everyday life. John knows how to keep intensity high while still being a mentor for all those who need help. If you ever hear someone yelling and encouraging students to be their best version of themselves you can bet Senpai John Bruno is on the deck! ​

SENPAI Craig

Meet Senpai Craig! A dedicated Martial Arts who has trained in Okinawa Gojuryu for many years. Training at Mountain Martial Arts / Gojuryu Kenkyukai of New Jersey, Craig is always pushing the envelope with his kata and Bunkai by asking deeper questions about the application and execution. If there is a nuance of a move between the move, Craig will ask about it to further everyone’s karate. Craig is not shy to speak up and help someone understand concepts they might be missing. When working with Craig he will work through a move and drill it until you understand it. And Craig always reminds you to keep your hands up!

SENPAI Damian

Meet Senpai Damian! As a long time Martial Artist, Damian trains at Mountain Martial Arts and is looked up to by students for his help and understanding of Bunkai. Damian is always the first to help others while training strong with his peers. His confidence is inspiring to others and felt in his every movement. He embodies the meaning of Gojuryu with his soft spoken, patient personality and his explosive energy and strength in his technique. Being bilingual, Damian is also a fantastic asset when training ESL students. ​

SENPAI Mat

Meet Senpai Mat! Always eager to learn new things, Mat is a student at United Martial Artist Academy, a Shibu dojo under Mountain Martial Arts / Gojuryu Kenkyukai of New Jersey. Mat has a natural ability to pick up on movements and always be excited to train through them. He is always ready to learn new things to supplement his Martial Arts training. ​

SENPAI Billy

Meet Senpai Billy! Spending most of his life training at Mountain Martial Arts / Gojuryu Kenkyukai of New Jersey, he is a true pillar in traditional Okinawa Gojuryu. In his recent pre-test he earned the nickname “Perfect Storm” after a near perfect demonstration of all requirements to grade before Taira Sensei. Billy is dedicated to his training, fundamentals of foundational aspects of Gojuryu, and the ability to apply everything to a deeper understanding of Bunkai. Billy also teaches a wide range of ages and classes with an exceptional ability to break down important points and communicate them to all learners. At the young age of 19 he sets an impressive standard for others to aspire towards! ​

SENPAI Mat 

Meet Mat Weisfeld! Mat has trained in various Martial Arts for the past 30 years. However, shifted his training focus to traditional Okinawa Gojuryu Kenkyukai after training under Sensei Kapel of Mountain Martial Arts / Gojuryu Kenkyukai of New Jersey. Mat is the owner and head teacher at United Martial Artist teaching the majority of classes. He transitioned his whole school curriculum to Okinawa Gojuryu and accomplished becoming a Shibu dojo under Sensei Kapel. Mat is focused and resolved in his continued training and dedication to learning and sharing educational values to others. Whether it is teaching students or being the student, Mat's enthusiasm is worn on his sleeve.

​A big congratulations to all who trained and graded!  We hope everyone continues their efforts to push themselves as they take another step in their Martial Arts Journey!  Looking forward for others to make the trip to the Head Shibu Dojo in New Jersey and become part of our Karate Family!